Episode
Episode 282: The New School Leader's Playbook with Erika Bare & Tiffany Burns
- Podcast
- Leaning into Leadership
- Published
- Jun 14, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2547
- Processing state
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Summary
Landing your first leadership position is exciting...until reality sets in. The meetings, the emails, the difficult conversations, the angry parents, and the constant interruptions can quickly pull new administrators away from the work they were most excited to do: leading people and supporting learning. In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership , Dr. Darrin Peppard is joined by Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns , experienced school leaders and co-authors, for a practical conversation about surviving—and thriving—in your first years of school leadership. Together they share strategies for preparing for difficult conversations, building a trusted support network, protecting your time, and leading with intentionality rather than reacting to every urgent issue. Whether you're stepping into your first assistant principal role, becoming a building principal, or mentoring a new leader, this episode is packed with immediately actionable advice. In this episode, you'll learn: Why every school leader needs a trusted "work bestie" How preparation reduces anxiety before difficult conversations The planning process that leads to more effective communication Common mistakes leaders make during challenging meetings Strategies for working with frustrated parents and caregivers Why attacking the problem—not the person—is essential How to respond when someone asks, "Do you have a minute?" Practical ways to protect your calendar and prioritize instructional leadership Why saying "no" is sometimes the best leadership decision How intentional time management creates better leaders and healthier lives Memorable Quotes "Action is the antidote to anxiety." "School leadership is not a solo sport." "Never sacrifice the important at the altar of the urgent." "You are worth so much more than a minut…